TOML

Ecosystem Classifications - TOML

Ecosystem classification is a system for categorizing Earth's diverse ecosystems based on characteristics such as biological communities, climate, soil, and topography. The IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology 2.0 is a hierarchical classification system consisting of 5 realms (terrestrial, freshwater, marine, subterranean, transitional), 25 biomes, and further subdivided ecosystem functional groups. This classification is widely used as an international standard for ecosystem conservation status assessments and environmental-economic accounting.

ecosystem biome IUCN conservation biodiversity ecological classification

[[items]]
code = "T1"
slug = "tropical-subtropical-forests"
name = "Tropical-Subtropical Forests"
description = "Forest ecosystems adapted to hot and humid climates near the equator."
realm = "Terrestrial"

[[items]]
code = "T2"
slug = "temperate-boreal-forests-woodlands"
name = "Temperate-Boreal Forests and Woodlands"
description = "Forest ecosystems distributed from temperate to boreal regions with distinct seasonal changes."
realm = "Terrestrial"

[[items]]
code = "T3"
slug = "shrublands-shrubby-woodlands"
name = "Shrublands and Shrubby Woodlands"
description = "Ecosystems dominated by shrubs in Mediterranean climates and dry regions."
realm = "Terrestrial"

[[items]]
code = "T4"
slug = "savannas-grasslands"
name = "Savannas and Grasslands"
description = "Grassland ecosystems dominated by herbaceous plants with scattered trees."
realm = "Terrestrial"

[[items]]
code = "T5"
slug = "deserts-semi-deserts"
name = "Deserts and Semi-Deserts"
description = "Dryland ecosystems adapted to extremely low precipitation."
realm = "Terrestrial"

[[items]]
code = "T6"
slug = "polar-alpine-cryogenic"
name = "Polar-Alpine (Cryogenic)"
description = "Polar and alpine ecosystems adapted to permafrost and low-temperature environments."
realm = "Terrestrial"

[[items]]
code = "T7"
slug = "intensive-anthropogenic-terrestrial"
name = "Intensive Anthropogenic Terrestrial Ecosystems"
description = "Terrestrial ecosystems created by human activities."
realm = "Terrestrial"

[[items]]
code = "F1"
slug = "rivers-streams"
name = "Rivers and Streams"
description = "Freshwater ecosystems characterized by flowing water."
realm = "Freshwater"

[[items]]
code = "F2"
slug = "lakes"
name = "Lakes"
description = "Freshwater ecosystems characterized by standing water."
realm = "Freshwater"

[[items]]
code = "TF1"
slug = "palustrine-wetlands"
name = "Palustrine Wetlands"
description = "Wetland ecosystems located at the boundary between terrestrial and freshwater realms."
realm = "Transitional"

[[items]]
code = "M1"
slug = "marine-shelf"
name = "Marine Shelf"
description = "Marine ecosystems including the continental shelf."
realm = "Marine"

[[items]]
code = "MT1"
slug = "shorelines"
name = "Shorelines"
description = "Coastal ecosystems where land and sea meet."
realm = "Transitional"

[[items]]
code = "S1"
slug = "subterranean-lithic"
name = "Subterranean Lithic"
description = "Ecosystems existing in underground rock spaces."
realm = "Subterranean"